Bio

Joshua was born in Watford, Englandto Nigerian-born parents. His cousin is fellow unbeaten professional boxer Ben lleyemi.

Joshua started boxing in 2007 at age 18, and made his professional debut with his cousin in 2013. Before turning pro, he competed in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, representing the UK, where he won the gold medal in the super-heavyweight division.

After turning pro, he racked up 8 wins with finishes in the first or second round, and won the vacant WBC International heavyweight title in a match against Denis Bakhtov in 2014. Six fights later, he added the Commonwealth heavyweight title around his waist.

At 16-0, he had the chance to fight the newly crowned IBF heavyweight champion, Charles Martin, who he knocked out in the second round to become the new reigning champ.